Big 5 Goals

Typically on a Sunday night, I start to think about what needs to get done for the week.  I love Mondays and have been inspired to narrow down my focus.

I wanted to share what I'm concentrating on for the week of 4/15/13:

1) Wrap up Mod 4 w/Test to get 100%, start Mod 5 (Integrative Nutrition online education)

2) Visit program to assess future placement regarding post-High School transition plan (special needs) for daughter for this coming September.

3) Learn and roll out new lesson PiYo Strength by Sunday 4/21 

4)Turbokick Certification Training 4/20

5) Get 3 Strength Workouts in this week (maybe a little ambitions but I'm shooting for it; 3 cardio sessions with one of them being a run).

These are my top 5 along with other ancillary goals (not mentioned) that must get done in order to keep the flow going.

"Within you is the power to do anything...with confidence and inspiration, you unlock the possibilities."  All you have to do is believe that you can and you're half way there.

Knowing what you want to accomplish and plotting out what you want to achieve can serve as a roadmap.  Let's face it, if you want to get somewhere you have to know how you're going to get there!  By taking forward motions in what ever it is that you are looking to pull off takes planning, determination, self-motivation and a sprinkle of perserverance.  

Last night when I drafted my Big 5, it gave me such clarity that I actually had peace among the chaotic schedule Mondays typically bring.

If you're like me you regularly plug into Social Media like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.  Its easy to connect with others who offer so much inspiration and motivaiton.  But remember, inspiration is a two way street. So Take heart: "There are people in your life whom you unknowingly inspire simply by being you."  How cool is that?  Very!!!!

New Month = New Goals

Precursor to this new month.  The Tri-State area was hit with a major storm, Hurricane Sandy (a.k.a. Frankenstorm).  And while we lost power for 48 hours, I realized how extremely resourceful and dependent we've become as a society on everything.  I was a definite wake up call to put things into perspective and not take things for granted.  I was able to stay on track with my goals of eating healthy (although I didn't have Shakeology for 2 days because I like using the blender; its a texture thing).  I worked out via candle light and lanterns.  My resolve and dedication helped me get to where I am right now. 

Which flows into the start of a new month where yesterday we flipped the calendar and I set new goals for the month.

My continued commitment to my health & fitness goals help me with my ultimate belief of becoming better than the day before.  As you know when you push yourself out of your comfort zone, you face your fears and gain experience to keep moving yourself forward.  If nothing changes then nothing will change.

The hardest part sometimes is starting.  So, what's important to remember is that you must decide what you're willing to do in order to get the results you want.  I could be something as simple as going to sleep a half hour early.

I have a busy month ahead of me and I know it will fly by.  The first 2 weeks will be focused on a deadline on the 15th and then the second half of the month I will start teaching PiYo classes at a local studio.  While I took the certification back in March, I never thought I'd really do much with it.  I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. 

So what are you going to accomplish this month?

Get out of your zone to get into the zone

Today I ventured out of my comfort zone and went out for my first run! I have been wanting to start for a while and then just decided there is no time like the present to just do it. Someone asked me what made me start? Well it's simple, I always felt like I was missing out on something and then when I was running, I realized that I definitely was.

 

"Believe that you can run farther or faster. Believe that you're young enough, old enough, strong enough, and so on to accomplish everything you want to do. Don't let worn-out beliefs stop you from moving beyond yourself." 

 

Since it was my first time, I decided to run in my neighborhood.   I will eventually drive the course I took earlier to get an idea of how far I got.  I'd say it was about 70% run/30% walk.

 

 

At first it was hard but I was determined to experience it. And all I can say is "Wow what a feeling!" To be out on the pavement and notice things like the trees and how beautiful they are is just PRICELESS, and of course, listening to the right music can definitely give you an extra boost to run faster.

 

 

I'm not mom, or my husband's wife or my parent's daughter or any of the other hats that I wear. When I run I am just little ole me!

 

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F O C U S

My workouts give me super powers. I can't help but think of these song lyrics, "You shoot me down but I'm a bomb, I am titanium."  I love that song by the way.  Yup, my commitment to working out helps me bullet-proof my mindset.  It helps me be happy, healthy and strong.  Plus I am grateful I can move. 

Last month I was a little lost in a sense that I was getting lax in my efforts to stay on track.  While I was still hitting my workouts, my nutrition was suffering.  I typically do eat clean but I fell back into some old habits.  Accountability is a big thing when you're trying to make changes stick.  It takes constant self talk to focus on the bigger picture.  What do you want? Why do you want it?  And, how will you get it?

I had held off going to Weight Watchers until the end of the month.  Deep down I knew I was over goal.  This was just the jolt I needed to force a change.  And while I was a bit disappointed that I was 3.8 lbs. over the top range of my Lifetime goal, it was just the kick in the butt I needed.

It forced me to get real and make the necessary changes which are critical for the success I want -- journaling, measuring, planning and attending meetings are all behaviors which yield results.

Although stress seems to be on the front burner in my life lately, I won't allow myself to mindlessly eat to numb the pain.  I am stronger than that.  Plus I am working too hard to get the results I expect.

Today I went back to Weight Watchers expecting a loss and I was rewarded at the scale.  My hard work paid off.  I lost  4.4 pounds in a week.  Honestly I have my own system and have come to realize what works for me.  But the one thing I needed was the accountability.

If you need fitness and nutrition accountability to help you along the way, check out my page here:  http://www.facebook.com/mariapaulercio  

Here are some progress pics:

January 2012, mid-June 2012 and end of July 2012

What do you want?

Its that time again for me to purge my thoughts and blog about where I'm at.  I happened to notice a friend's post about focusing on inspirational words that manifest feelings of empowerment.  He said, "To truly inspire change we must inspire ourselves. No single entity or event or its outcome is going to be what really makes you happy or feel better."  That got me thinking about how happiness is an inside job.  Its starts with positive thinking and what is really important to us.  

Lately, I've been struggling with staying on track with my routine.  I have a small private Facebook group with awesome ladies who post their accountability on a daily basis.  Each one of us has been struggling with our own goals but the common theme is that we're not giving up.  Don't get discouraged, its not about living each day perfectly but being consistent in your choices.  

Everyone gets off track from time to time.  The key to success is to plow through excuses and keep focusing on your comeback.  

My comeback will consist of drinking Shakeology every day and starting a 30 day Les Mills PUMP Ultimate Cross Training Hybrid. 

My Excitment

Yes I'm excited, yesterday I finally received my Vegan Chocolate Shakeology.  I had a chance to try it 2 weeks ago at Summit.  I initially liked it but couldn't wait to get it home so I could try my favorite recipe.  My motivation to get through this mornings workout was knowing I was having it for breakfast.

When I first tore open the bag, it seemed to have been vacuum sealed and some of the "powder" seeped out.  Of course I had to try this magic "dust" and couldn't help but taste how pure the dark cocoa flavor was.  Then just reading the back of the bag made me realize how happy I am to incorporate this dietary supplement into my daily routine.  This new formula of Shakeology is a powerful super food.  You may wonder what does that even mean?  It was designed to give your body the perfect combo of nutrients to help give you energy, reduce cravings, maintain healthy body weight, and support your immune system. 


Here is my typical recipe!  1 scoop of Shakeology (this works with regular chocolate, Tropical Vegan and now the new Chocolate Vegan).  1 cup of frozen unsweetened strawberries, 1 cup of Almond/Coconut milk blend, 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder, your choice and 1 tsp. unsalted peanuts.

I love the texture that peanuts provide.  I am definitely into textures!  Yes I love my pasta al dente (although I hardly eat it anymore), and my oatmeal lumpy.  OK enough about me.  What I want YOU to know is that if you're looking to improve your health, you can do it, one shake at a time!

To try a sample, go here:  http://bit.ly/KY3ddW

New Year = New Me, How about You?

Thinking back on this past year, I am proud of what I was able to accomplish.  It hasn't been easy, but I was able to prove to myself that with sheer determination, dedication, discipline and an indomitable will to succeed, I was able to get back to my Weight Watcher lifetime goal and advance in my business.

I think this time of the year is a perfect for making New Year's resolutions because most of us have the notion that its like a clean slate and we have a second chance at starting over.  I've learned to treat each week as a new opportunity to push myself more than I have the previous week.  I've gained momentum and realized through some pretty cool Facebook posts that I am capable of inspiring others to make positive changes! 

Why is it that some people have a hard time staying on track after they've starting something?  That has happened to me a couple of times too and then I realized that either my goals weren't clear enough or I didn't want it bad enough.  Once you find out your WHY then the next important step is to find a support network to help you through tough times when you doubt yourself. 

I love helping others realize they hold the power to succeed.  It boils down to choices.  You can choose to do something or not do it.  Period.  If your not sure what you want, you'll never get it.  You have to be crystal clear and then map out a plan to get there.  I can be your go-to person for motivation and encouragement.

Through my own personal experience, I too have realized that I wasn't gonna get anywhere close to my goal if I kept coming up with excuses.   I knew how bad I wanted to achieve it, then found others to help inspire me to go for it.  

During the first 30 days of January, I am committed to focusing on a new program, Les Mills PUMP.  After doing 3 rounds of P90X, I realized I wasn't ready for P90X2 and would challenge myself with this new workout series which offers the Rep Effect.  At first I didn't think doing a 20 minute workout was gonna be enough but early into the workout, I realized why they were putting a rest day into the schedule so soon.  If your looking for accountability and/or would like to follow along with me, join my challenge:

http://bit.ly/w0k2ty

Tis the season....

Now that the holidays are weeks away, lots of social gatherings revolve around food and drink.  Workouts seem to be the first thing that's easy to give up due to time constraints.  The end of the year is always a very stressful time for me.  I usually make pizzelles and attend a few parties and give into all the special seasonal food items that are around.  But, this year will be different.  Reflecting on 3 years ago back in December of 2008, I was 32 pounds overweight.  I lacked confidence and had a hard time liking how I looked in clothes. 

This past October, I was successful at achieving my Weight Watchers lifetime goal.  I'm required to weight in once each month.  It can be anytime of the month.  Last month I had stayed the same.  I noticed something interesting happened at today's weigh in.  I was down 2.0 lbs.  Now what's interesting is that just this past Sunday, my scale at home "said" I was 8 pounds higher. 

What helped me debloat, change my mindset, and lose weight to show a loss at my weigh in?  My decision to make sure I was at or very close to my goal weight by the end of the week.  What helped was my accountability challenge group on Facebook. In the absence of my weekly meetings, I'm still posting every day and helping others recognize the benefits of healthy habits and taking small baby steps to make an impact on their well being.

If you want support, guidance and someone to lean on during the rest of the year, let me help you.  Don't wait for January 1st to do something.  The little things you do each day add up.

Join the challenge:  http://on.fb.me/vpfTOG

Mindset

mind-set

[mahynd-set] noun

1. an attitude, disposition, or mood. (disposition = state of mind regarding something; inclination)
2. an intention or inclination.

Mindset is absolutely critical in accomplishing your goals (any goal).   As I started to delve into the very reason WHY I have been able to make progress and continue to be at goal is because it all started with a decision.  A decision that started last year.  I knew it wouldn't be easy but I knew it would be worth it.  

With any goal you set out to accomplish, you must construct a plan and then execute it.  They key to my success has been the fact that I'm always prepared.  I'm constantly thinking about what I can do to stay healthy, what workouts will be done during a particular week, what's my timeframe and other obligations, eating clean and getting enough sleep.  I have found what works for me and have been able to integrate everything into my busy schedule without any excuses.


I had a very introspective conversation with someone someone who was looking for a "P90X coach."  She is looking for help with staying on track with her fitness program.  She asked me what keeps me motivated.  Without hesitation, I answered that I've made a choice to do something healthy each day.  It didn't happen over night.  I have gained momentum and love where I'm at.  It can only get better.   

My goal is to help others get active and eat healthy.  No, I am not the food police or the workout nazi,  I'm just consistent.  I just put myself out there to be an example and walk the walk.  Most don't realize that they are closer than they think.  They just need someone to give them a push.  

Reality Check Version 2.0

As I reviewed my original post from my first entry, entitled Reality Check back on July 8, 2011, I blogged about experiencing a new level of stress as things were heating up in my house.  Like I had described earlier, there are many "gory" details that I will spare you of but just know that having a 16 year old teen with (high functioning) autism is beyond any one's imagination of living like a "typical" family.  My husband and I, as well as my 13 year old son are trying to cope with this new intensity.  Guess what?  The intensity is getting more extreme. 

I think the one thing that helps me keep my sanity is staying focused on my workouts and eating clean. I no longer binge eat in response to my stress.  That was huge for me because I realized the vicious cycle would only continue due to the frequency of my stress.  I actually have to avoid certain "red light" foods, otherwise it would be a problem to stop.  I knew that if I wanted to make progress with my goals, I had to find a way to break the cycle.  Once I started to make progress with my goals, my desire to continue fueled my ability to stay motivated and focused.  Plus I'm fortunate to have awesome accountability partners who keep pushing me forward.

I know things will never be perfect.  I feel trapped at times that my daughter's disability has put a major crimp on everything in our lives including how she is able to live hers.  It makes me sad and angry and extremely frustrated but I'm doing everything I possibly could.  I have learned to adapt and keep a positive outlook. 

I may be struggling right now but I know things could be worse and I'm grateful for all that I've got.  

This past week I started another 21 days to a healthier you challenge.  Its not to late to jump on board.  Follow this link:  http://bit.ly/roQMHJ and join us!!!

One week down, 2 more to go!

Do you really think you can change your habits in 21 days?  I definitely do.  It takes commitment, discipline and determination to stick it out.  Of course, if you know what your goal is and why your doing it, it becomes easier to focus.

I am 3 weeks into my new hybrid (P90X and TurboFire) and this is by far the best combo for me.  They say the 3rd time's a charm, but I'm really starting to gain momentum and getting so close to reaching my ultimate goal.

Last October, 2010, I joined Weight Watchers with the intent of losing 12 pounds to get back to my "adjusted" lifetime goal.  At yesterday's weigh in, I came so close that I told my leader that I was gonna do it next week.  I have only 0.8 lbs. left, then I can stop paying Weight Watchers.  No 6 week maintenance just GOAL.

What made it all possible was that I had a clear goal in mind and took action to achieve it.

I am holding a 21 days to a healthier you Fall Challenge as an event on my Facebook page.  If you'd like to join us, click here:  http://bit.ly/qQkj9Y

My crazy day

Today started out like any other day.  This morning, my alarm goes off at 6:00 a.m. and I jump out of bed.  TGIF, the end of a hectic week.  I was looking forward to Friday to get a couple of things accomplished.  Each day this past week has started out very similar but today was different.  I usually make a mental list of everything I need to handle.  I already had a lot on my plate.  No mental list.  All I could think about was my dad in the hospital.  It kinda paralyzed me from doing anything.  So preoccupied with my thoughts, I never exercised.  My sister had asked me yesterday if I would purchase Yankee playoff tickets Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. and then 2 minutes before they went on sale, the nurse's office from my daughter's high school called to say she wasn't feeling well.  Another unexpected thing now on my to do list.  So I picked her up from school and then headed over to mom's house to take care of my niece until it was time to pick up my son from school and then get my daughter across town in time for her hair appointment.  After that it was a quick stop home so my son could change and then head back out to meet my sister at the train station with my son so they travel to Yankee Stadium!  

Days like these turn in to months and then months and then before you know it, seasons change.  I have been waiting a long time to handle things I keep pushing off till the next day and then I never get a chance to do it.

Tomorrow will be different only if I set the tone and write down what I expect to accomplish.  Sure its OK to be flexible; I've tried to fit in things that unexpectedly pop up but then it makes me realize that I am only human and can only do so much.  How come I have so much to do?